At almost each monitor day across the globe, you’ll be able to rely on seeing a number of Hondas making the rounds, due to their unbeatable formulation of price versus efficiency.
Hondas are unmatched on this respect – love or detest them, the proof is irrefutable. Nevertheless, throughout my latest go to to Italy for the 2024 Tarox Magione Tremendous Battle (MSB), the variety of Hondas competing was astonishing.
As a giant fan of Honda and having had the pleasure of driving a number of fashions, the EK Civic and NSX-R are amongst my all-time favourites. So it’s protected to say I don’t want convincing that these light-weight, low-power machines are the proper circuit weapons. But, many stay sceptical of this philosophy.
As I mentioned in my predominant MSB protection, one may count on an Italian occasion to be dominated by Fiats, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and different domestically manufactured icons, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. The MSB attracts inspiration from occasions like Assault Tsukuba, attracting a crowd with a deep appreciation for Japanese efficiency automobiles. And identical to Tsukuba, the preferred model right here was Honda.
The Autodromo dell’Umbria paddocks buzzed with all the pieces from Civics to S2000s – and even a Honda Ok-swapped Lotus Exige. It was clear that the MSB’s quickest contenders all had the H-badge in frequent.
Whereas I can’t spotlight each Honda current, a number of deserve a deeper dive into what made them so blisteringly fast across the technical, 2.5km-long circuit. First up is a turbocharged S2000 – one of many quickest automobiles of the day, with all of the sounds to match. Its delicate aerodynamic tweaks are harking back to what you see at Tsukuba and comparable time assault occasions in Japan.
One other standout was this turbo EK Civic, which sounded so good because it thundered down the primary straight.
Then there was this Rotrex-supercharged S2000, a favorite of mine for its lovely simplicity. Retaining its inventory physique, it got here simply shy of the quickest lap time of the day.
Whereas it might not sport an H badge outdoors, the clear Honda spotlight of the day was this S1 Lotus Exige. With a Rotrex-supercharged Honda Ok-series engine changing its manufacturing unit Rover mill, it epitomises the top of each producers, leading to a record-breaking machine.
These examples merely scratch the floor of the Honda presence at MSB. The paddocks additionally featured Kanjo-inspired EG hatches, carbon-fibre S2000s, a number of CR-Xs, and some Integra Sort Rs, showcasing Italy’s numerous Honda tradition.
I’d love to listen to your ideas on these cost-effective circuit weapons. Is the Honda monitor automotive scene simply as fashionable the place you reside?
Alec Pender
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